by our College Data Analytics Team
[Visual Communications](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/visual-communications/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 6 schools to find the best return on investment for visual communications students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the visual communications degrees they offer, see the list below.
College Of Dupage tops our 2027 list of the best value visual communications schools in Illinois. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $11,077 in student loans. Early-career visual communications graduates make about $31,798. That is a strong return on a $11,077 median debt.
Mchenry County College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in visual communications, landing the #2 spot this year. Mchenry County College is a large public school located in the rural area of Crystal Lake. In-state tuition and fees average $4,162, while out-of-state students pay about $14,399. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $7,440. Early-career visual communications graduates make about $24,177. Set against $7,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in visual communications will find it at University Of Illinois At Chicago, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $25,750. Visual Communications graduates of University Of Illinois At Chicago earn a median of $34,377 early in their careers. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Elmhurst College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in visual communications, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Elmhurst, Elmhurst College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,955. Typical student debt for visual communications graduates is $22,400. Visual Communications graduates of Elmhurst College earn a median of $51,232 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,400 median debt. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
Depaul University came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value visual communications schools. Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Visual Communications graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, visual communications degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $55,390. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants.
Loyola University Chicago landed the #6 spot for visual communications value this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete the visual communications program here. Visual Communications graduates of Loyola University Chicago earn a median of $58,568 early in their careers. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.